Top Rated Saffron Rice Recipes

I may not be en route to the Greek Isles or pledging for a sorority, but my kitchen has been Greek-inspired over the last week. Why? Well, I’m not sure other than I have an abundance of lemons and fresh thyme to get creative with, and I do love the flavors of their cuisine. I decided to adapt my own take on a classic "Greek plate." You know the ones, with skewers of lemon and herb-marinated chicken, saffron rice, fresh salad with beets and feta, and creamy tzatziki sauce. That’s a lot of goodness right there, so I opted to combine all of these components into one, deliciously Greek pita.
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Easy, delicious, and different is how I would describe this casserole. Petite meatballs prepared with ground lamb and seasoned with Moroccan spices are nestled into a baked rice pilaf during the last few minutes of cooking. The rice, scented with saffron, cooks to a rich, golden yellow and is accented with bits of red bell pepper and Medjool dates.
This recipe is from Sunday Casseroles: Complete Comfort in One Dish. Click here to buy a copy.
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Facts & Tips

What is Saffron Rice ?

Saffron Rice Shopping Tips

Middle Eastern cuisine relies on some fragrant and expensive spices and seasonings such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, coriander, turmeric, and sumac. If possible, buy and store them whole; whole spices have a stronger aroma and flavor.

Saffron Rice Cooking Tips

For a stronger flavor and aroma, toast spices before grinding them, and only grind the amount that you need for the recipe. Keeping spices whole until needed extends their shelf life.